Geographic Programs – Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Comprehensive Plan Component
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
The primary objective of this program is to disburse funds to eligible entities according to the funded priorities list approved by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. The Council enters into Interagency Agreements with EPA to expend funds to carry out those Comprehensive Plan projects and programs that have been assigned to EPA. Projects funded through this component achieve one or more of the seven objectives listed in the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Initial Comprehensive Plan: (1) Restore, Enhance and Protect Habitats, (2) Restore, Improve, and Protect Water Resources, (3) Protect and Restore Living Coastal and Marine Resources, (4) Restore and Enhance Natural Processes and Shorelines, (5) Promote Community Resilience, (6) Promote Natural Resource Stewardship and Environmental Education, and (7) Improve Science-Based Decision-Making Processes. Projects funded through this component also achieve one or more of the four EPA Gulf of America Division priorities: 1) Restore, protect and enhance habitat, 2) Improve water quality, 3) Enhance community resilience, and 4) Further environmental education: https://www.restorethegulf.gov/comprehensive-plan.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- Local
- Nonprofit Organization
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
Funds are available to State and local governments, Tribes, colleges and universities, and other public or nonprofit organizations.
For certain competitive funding opportunities under this assistance listing, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Funded Priorities List and Agency policy.
Beneficiaries
- Interstate Organization
- U.S. State Government
- Local
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Nonprofit Organization
- Other
State and local governments, interstate agencies, Tribes, colleges and universities, and other public or nonprofit organizations.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
For competitive awards, EPA will review and evaluate applications in accordance with the terms, conditions, and criteria stated in the NOFO. Competitions will be conducted in accordance with EPA policies/regulations for competing assistance agreements.
Approximately 90-180 days following the application deadline as addressed in the NOFO.
Program details & compliance
Description
This program is for EPA to disburse funds to eligible entities according to the funded priorities list approved by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council and to carry out Comprehensive Plan projects and programs that have been assigned to EPA.
Mission Categories
Primary: Environmental Quality Education
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
The primary objective of this program is to disburse funds to eligible entities for the purpose of restoring and protecting the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, and economy of the Gulf Coast region using the best available science. All projects, programs, and activities must be eligible activities pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) of 33 U.S.C. 1321(t)(1)(B) and must be listed on the Council's approved Funded Priorities List (FPL) (https://restorethegulf.gov/) in order to be eligible for funding. The RESTORE Act, at 33 U.S.C. section 1321(t)(2)(E)(i), provides that the RESTORE Council, "acting through" the federal and state Council members, will expend funds to carry out Comprehensive Plan projects and programs; and at (2)(E)(ii)(I) provides that primary authority and responsibility for those programs "shall be assigned" by the RESTORE Council to the state members or federal agencies. The Council enters into Interagency Agreements with EPA to expend funds to carry out those Comprehensive Plan projects and programs that have been assigned to EPA. Awards will be made noncompetitively or competitively based on the authority for the award and EPA procedures. Competitive awards will be made in accordance with EPA policies and procedures for competitive awards.
Restrictions
Projects must be listed in the Funded Priorities List Addendum to the Initial Comprehensive Plan in order to be eligible for funding. Use of these funds must be in accordance with projects on the funded priorities list with the US Environmental Protection Agency listed as the Responsible Council Member. Assistance agreement awards under this program may involve or relate to geospatial information. Further information regarding geospatial information may be obtained by viewing the following website: https://www.epa.gov/geospatial.
Required Documentation
Credentials or documentation such as letters of support or resumes may be required as a part of the funding opportunity application package instructions.
Matching Requirements
This program has no matching requirements, except when the specific FPL project/program stipulates there is a matching requirement (e.g. – Gulf of America Conservation Enhancement Grants Program). In those instances, the specific FPL project/program and NOFO (if applicable) will provide the details of the matching requirements.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements